BlueSky Enters Into New One-year Contract With Authorizer; MDE Requests a Continuance on Hearing Regarding School's Compliance

ST. PAUL, Minn., June 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On behalf of its more than 500 students and parents, BlueSky Online School — Minnesota's first online public charter school — today announced it has entered into a new one-year agreement with its authorizer, Novation Education Opportunities (NEO). This new contract was awarded and signed following extensive independent review of the school's curriculum, operating procedures and graduation policies and practices.

"BlueSky has demonstrated to us that they are a quality school dedicated to helping students achieve their educational goals," said Dr. Bryan Rossi, NEO Executive Director. " Since last September, BlueSky and NEO have worked together to put in place new curriculum, a new learning and management system, and new leadership to assure that BlueSky students get the best education possible consistent with Minnesota standards and graduation requirements."

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) had previously insisted that its action to close the school commence next Monday, June 27, 2011. BlueSky was eagerly anticipating the opportunity to defend against MDE's unsupported assertions in a public forum; the school was also looking forward to demonstrating to the public that in fact the school meets and exceeds state academic standards.

However, with just one business day left before the hearing date insisted upon by the agency, MDE unilaterally requested and was granted a continuance in the case. As a result, the hearing originally scheduled for June 27 and 28 has been canceled. With the possible government shutdown pending, no new hearing date was requested or scheduled.

"While we are frustrated by the continued delays in being able to demonstrate the school's compliance and clearing the record and name of the school, we are pleased about the new contract with our authorizer," said school director Dr. Don Hainlen. "Our student support model and online curriculum delivery is unmatched in the state of Minnesota. With a new contract in hand, we are actively taking student enrollments for the 2011-2012 school year. We look forward to continuing to serve our diverse students' needs in a positive manner."

BlueSky school attorney Cindy Lavorato added, "We remain confident that when we finally do get an opportunity to defend the school, an impartial decision-maker will recognize that BlueSky offers a high quality curriculum that is supported by an incredibly dedicated staff.  We believe that ultimately we will reach a solution that recognizes the emerging technological approaches to learning and academic rigor that BlueSky's students receive."

About BlueSky Online School

BlueSky Online School is a leading online public charter school that offers an alternative learning option for a wide range of students throughout Minnesota. BlueSky's unique personal approach to online learning is unmatched by other online high schools. Contact the school at 651-642-0888, or visit the school's Web site at www.blueskyschool.org.

SOURCE BlueSky Online School